On my second day in Xela I met two lovely humans who are also studying Spanish at my school–Alex from LA, and Megan from England. They graciously extended an invitation for me to join them on a hike they had planned for that upcoming Sunday, to Volcán Santiaguito Mirador.
Santiaguito is a highly active volcano, and as such you don’t hike the volcano itself, but rather a nearby peak with a good lookout point–a mirador. It’s a half day hike that isn’t terribly strenuous, and well worth the 4:30 am wakeup call.
We went with guides from a local non-profit Quetzal Trekkers. They are cool in that 100% the money you pay for the hike (about $32 for this one) goes to fund a nearby school for over 160 children ages 5-15. Your payment includes your guides, transportation to the trailhead, and a simple breakfast and lunch. The entire organization is run by volunteers, including the guides, and fundraising is done to pay for their overhead. I’m into it. If you ever find yourself in Xela, Guatemala, I highly recommend booking a hike with them!
Sometime in the not too distant future I plan to hike Santa María with them as well, which is a 12-hour much more involved hike. Stay tuned for that post! For now, here are my photos from Santiaguito:
Santiaguito doing its thing. The eruptions sound like a jet engine.
Early morning vibes on the hike up to the mirador.
Misty mountain hop.
Santiaguito behind me prior to any major activity.
Alex, Megan & I early in the morning, pre-eruptions.
Santiaguito going for it!
Local Mayan people having a celebratory Sunday on our hike back down. There was a band with an immensely loud PA singing songs for Jesus.
Young shepherd heading up the mountain.
Another shepherd’s dogs. We stopped to talk with him while he was on his way up, and we were on our way down. He told us that the packs of wild dogs that live at the dump keep killing his sheep–over half of them.
There’s a lot of cultivation up the sides of the mountains.
annie.life 
How amazing that you got to see volcano activity!! I bet that doesn’t happen that often does it? You’re already making friends with expats and Mayans. Love you keep posting!
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It was incredible! It’s highly active–I hear it’s more common than not that you’ll catch an eruption. That’s why people can’t hike the volcano itself, like the other volcanoes nearby. The gasses are much too dangerous, so instead we watch from a safe distance at the mirador. And yes indeed, there are interesting people to befriend all around! Love you Ella Bella, thanks for popping by!
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Super Psyched you are on this journey-
Greetings from back in Cali from San Diego way .. Safe Trips !
Keep telling Adventures Annie! TY
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